Cheesy Quinoa and Spinach Casserole

Have you tried Quinoa? I hadn't ever seen or heard of it until several months ago, but let me tell you its like the jack pot of health foods and there are soooo many ways to use it.

Quinoa: keen-wah, kee-noh-uh 
noun

a tall crop plant, Chenopodium quinoa,  of the amaranth family, cultivated mainly in Peru, Bolivia, and Chile for its small, ivory-colored seed, which is used as a food staple.

a grain high in nutrients traditionally grown as a staple food high in the Andes.  source

The Facts!

• Quinoa is one of the most protein-rich foods we can eat. It is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids.
• Quinoa contains almost twice as much fiber as most other grains. 
• Quinoa contains Iron.
• Quinoa contains lysine. Lysine is mainly essential for tissue growth and repair.
• Quinoa is rich in magnesium.
• Quinoa is high in Riboflavin (B2). B2 improves energy metabolism within brain and muscle cells and is known to help create proper energy production in cells.
• Quinoa has a high content of manganese. Manganese is an antioxidant, which helps to prevent damage of mitochondria during energy production as well as to protect red blood cells and other cells from injury by free radicals. source

The first Quinoa recipe I want to share with you is a brand new one to me that I have just tried and....its amazing. It even got a rave review from my two toddlers and my boyfriend.

The recipe is from Bakeaholic Mama found via Pinterest. Find her recipe here and my version with the adjustments is below :)

Cheesy Quinoa and Spinach Casserole

3 cups cooked quinoa (cooked according to package directions)
3 tbs of butter (I use HEB's you'd think its butter)
3 tbs of all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups Unsweetend Almond Milk
Few dashes freshly ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
8 oz of shredded cheddar cheese
3 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 handfuls fresh baby spinach
bread crumbs

Directions:

In a medium sauce pan add 3 tbs butter and flour to the pan over medium heat. Whisk continuously until a paste forms. Whisk in milk. Increase heat to medium/high bring to a boil whisking the whole time. Stir nutmeg, salt and cheese.  When cheese sauce is smooth remove from heat.

In a large bowl mix quinoa, cheese sauce and spinach together.  Season with salt and pepper.

Transfer into a casserole dish greased with olive oil.

Sprinkle bread crumbs over the top of the casserole.

Bake on 350 until bubbly and beginning to brown on the top. About 20 minutes.

Remove from oven and enjoy!